I had an appointment to learn more about my "awake" time during the surgery. This is very cool. After they open my head, they'll wake me up and start probing my brain. While they're probing they'll show me pictures and ask me questions to determine which parts of the brain they can carve out, and which parts they need to leave behind. I really want them to videotape this, but I don't think that'll happen. I also got to finally meet Dr. Yu, and this increased my confidence even more. Not only does he clearly know his stuff, but he also has amazing bedside manner! In fact, the entire hospital so far has been incredible. Whenever we looked lost, someone would stop and ask us if we needed help. That said, I still haven't run into a Hollywood star.
The last item on my list today was a pre-op MRI. For the first time in my history, they marked locations on my head that will better guide the surgery. These plugs they stuck to me make me look like...well...you guessed it.
FRANKENERIC!!!!!These need to stay on until the surgery tomorrow, which starts around noon and should end around 4. That means no shower tomorrow.
Not sure when I'll be ready to update the blog, but I'll try. Or maybe I'll beg a family member to post my status....
ps - Thank you all SO much for all the great messages I've received via e-mail, texting, voicemail, etc. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you directly yet, but it's meant a lot to me!
pps - Let's hope they don't accidentally replace my brain with Abby's....
Eric, wishing you all the best on the morrow. Glad to hear that you have been well taken care of down there. They ought to be treating you like a superstar, cause, well, you deserve it! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
ReplyDeleteLots o love!
Abby Normal? Thanks for including the pic. I'm sure one day without a shower is bearable compared to river stink! Hope all goes super smoothly.
ReplyDeleteok, understand the guided surgery part, so that means they won't mess with the part that makes you so caring and special. Of course, our hearts and minds are with you today.
ReplyDeleteThose doctors are lucky to have a patient as upbeat, curious, witty and as inspiring as you. And there's a little Abby Normal in all of us, but good for you for staying vigilant about that. You'll be on my mind today.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear the positive feelings you have about Dr. Yu and the hospital in general. Go forth and conquer, amigo. We're sending you love.
ReplyDeleteLisa and the Harris boys
Thanks for the update. All the best today.
ReplyDeleteI like the new look. Any chance they can leave the plugs on for a while?
Heyward
You're in surgery RIGHT NOW. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteAren't the fiducials AWESOME?! Mine were put on a full day and a half early this time because of the MLK holiday the day before my surgery. Super classy looking (also awesome to go that long without a shower...especially when showering AFTER surgery doesn't happen right away either. Ha.)
I know all is going to be great. Looking forward to hearing the great news about surgery.
Take care,
Jackie
KQED played a piece yesterday about brain surgery on an awake patient to figure out the right bits to scoop out. This was UCSD, not your new favorite hospital, but it still gives a little insight for the more clueless of us http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201102111630/d
ReplyDeleteThey actually showed us the video of her in my pre-surgical meeting!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/nov/19/staying-awake-during-brain-surgery/
I love the new look! Very "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto!"
ReplyDelete